[The valves of the posterior urethra]

Abstract

75 cases of posterior urethra valves have been seen and treated from 1952 to 1984. The average follow-up is 11 years. The clinical symptomatology is described and the different treatments are analyzed from a critical point of view. A the present time the progress made by pediatric intensive care, minimization of endoscopes, better understanding of lesions, indicate that the only treatment has to be the valves. A urinary diversion is to be considered only if the life of the boy is in danger. It is rare to have to reimplant the ureters. 3 boys died. From the cases with long follow-up, 4 have high blood pressure, 16 have renal insufficiency, of these one had a successful renal transplant, 6 are dialyzed. The problems of urinary continence and fertility are discussed.